Reklamlar

First Aid - Insect Bites And Stings

First aid - Insect bites and stings

Signs and symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom
or other substances into your skin. The venom triggers an allergic
reaction. The severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to
the insect venom or substance.

Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than an
annoying itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that disappear
within a day or so. A delayed reaction may cause fever, hives, painful
joints and swollen glands. You might experience both the immediate and
the delayed reactions from the same insect bite or sting. Only a small
percentage of people develop severe reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect
venom. Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include:

Facial swelling

Difficulty breathing

Abdominal pain

Shock

Bites from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are
typically the most troublesome. Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting
flies and some spiders also can cause reactions, but these are
generally milder.

For mild reactions

Move to a safe area to avoid more stings.

Scrape or brush off the stinger
with a straight-edged object, such as a credit card or the back of a
knife. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Don't try to pull
out the stinger. Doing so may release more venom.

Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling.

Apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5
percent or 1 percent), calamine lotion or a baking soda paste — with a
ratio of 3 teaspoons baking soda to 1 teaspoon water — to the bite or
sting several times a day until your symptoms subside.

Allergic reactions may include mild nausea and intestinal cramps,
diarrhea or swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the site. See
your doctor promptly if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.

For severe reactions

Severe reactions may progress rapidly. Dial 911 or call for emergency
medical assistance if the following signs or symptoms occur:

Difficulty breathing

Swelling of the lips or throat

Faintness

Dizziness

Confusion

Rapid heartbeat

Hives

Nausea, cramps and vomiting

Take these actions immediately while waiting with an affected person for medical help:

Check for special medications
that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as
an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the
drug as directed — usually by pressing the auto-injector against the
person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the
injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption.

Have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking, after administering epinephrine.

Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.

Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything to drink.

Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking, if there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.

Begin CPR, if there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement).